Rodney Atwaters

Executive Director

About

Energetic and accomplished professional Creative Producer with a unique combination of a strong analytic understanding and a creative conceptual mindset. Experienced with a broad range of skills in marketing, creative production, advertising, and media planning. Sound knowledge of various media production devices like lightning equipment, video effects, microphones, and audio mixers. Extremely organized and capable of managing multiple projects. Energetic and eager to teach and encourage personal and team growth. Dedicated, passionate, and optimistic, approaching every challenge as an opportunity to learn. Possess artistic vision with strong business acumen and management skills Excellent communicator with the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

Country

United States

City

Atlanta Metropolitan Area

Industry

Non-profit Organization Management

Skill

Operations Management, Director level, Digital Strategy, Tax Preparation, Slack, Marketing Campaigns, Campaigns, Marketing Strategy, Event Marketing, Community Outreach, Salesforce.com, Customer Outreach, Content Marketing, Relationship Development, Marketing Project Management, Stakeholder Management, Creative Project Management, Project Management Software, Television, Creative Problem Solving

Experience

Executive Director

Youth Forward Initiative Inc

2024-4 - Present · 2 yrs 6 mos

Hazlehurst, Georgia, United States

As the founding Executive Director of Youth Forward Initiative Inc., I lead a mission-driven organization committed to transforming outcomes for youth, families, and underserved rural communities across Georgia. My role spans from boots-on-the-ground leadership to boardroom strategy — ensuring that every program we launch reflects both cultural integrity and operational excellence. 🔹 I design and oversee scalable, high-impact programs that prioritize equity, early learning, youth leadership, and economic opportunity. 🔹 I lead all grant writing, fundraising, and sustainability efforts, securing public and private investment to grow our reach and deepen our outcomes. 🔹 I manage day-to-day operations, staff development, compliance, and partnership building — ensuring Youth Forward remains rooted, resilient, and results-driven. 🔹 I represent our work statewide through legislative engagement, rural coalition building, and media advocacy — amplifying the voice of small towns too often overlooked. At my core, I’m building systems our community can trust.

Program Manager, Events & Marketing

Development Authority of Jeff Davis County

2025-3 - 2025-8 · 6 mos

As the Program Manager, Events and Programs for the Jeff Davis County Development Authority, I oversee the planning and execution of events, marketing initiatives, and community programs that drive economic growth and engagement. I develop strategic marketing campaigns, coordinate impactful events, and create programs that support local businesses, tourism, and community development. My role focuses on fostering connections, promoting the county’s assets, and enhancing opportunities for growth through innovative and results-driven initiatives.